Soft release centre of elephants to be set up on experimental basis in Hassan: Minister

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre lays the foundation stone for the construction of Elephant Task Force office at Bikkodu in Belur taluk on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The State government has decided to set up a soft release centre as a solution to the human-elephant conflict in Hassan on an experimental basis, and the idea has received mixed responses within the department, stated Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the construction of Elephant Task Force office at Bikkodu in Belur taluk on Tuesday, Mr. Khandre said that around 80% of the officers in the department were of the opinion that the soft releasing of elephants would resolve the problem; however, the remaining 20% found it not suitable. “However, the government has decided to go ahead with the plan on an experimental basis,” he stated.

The tenders for the construction of the soft release centre would be invited within 20 days. Later in two months, the construction would begin, he said.

Elaborating on the problem, the minister said Karnataka ranked first in the country with the highest number of elephants. The human-elephant conflict has intensified in the last 20 years. “Around 60 elephants have been roaming in the estates of Hassan. Neighbouring Chikkamagaluru and Kodagu districts are also facing similar problems,” he said.

The department had taken many measures, including the installation of railway barricades and solar fencing, among other methods, to avoid the conflict. The department had been tracking the movement of elephants to alert public, he added.

Under the soft release of elephants, the elephants would be released to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary in a phased manner after keeping them in an enclosure spread over 20 sq. km under observation for a few months.

Hassan Lok Sabha member Shreyas M. Patel, Belur MLA H.K. Suresh and senior officers of the Forest Department were present.

Published - May 13, 2025 08:20 pm IST